Jgß A. L. V. Mannichü. 



This eyrie also looked as if it had been used from immemorial 

 lime. 



Falcons eyries were also recorded on the high rock Teufelkap 

 and on a rock near the Mørkefjord; both of them were — like the two 

 already mentioned nests — built on the northern side of the mountains. 

 This was also the case with the 5*'^ nest of a bird of prey, which 

 was found, and which certainly also belonged to a Gyrfalcon. 



This can hardly be considered accidental ; perhaps the falcons 

 choose to nest on places, which in the coldest time of the day and 

 night are warmed by the midnight sun; it must be remembered, 

 that the breeding-time is partly in May, in which month the tem- 

 perature of the nights is usually some degrees under zero. 



The Gyrfalcon of N. E. Greenland must mainly feed on Lem- 

 mings; this has been proved as w^ell by examinations of stomachs 

 as by analyses of pellets. At the nesting-places I have however also 

 found remnants of Lagopiis miitus, Emberiza nivalis and — seldom 



— of small waders as for instance of Strepsilas interpres and Ægialitis 

 hiaticula. [See: Phalaropus fulicarius.] I have also found a few rem- 

 nants of Alpine Hares. 



I very often observed the mutual behaviour of Ravens and Fal- 

 cons; they would quarrel in the most violent manner when they 

 met. The battles between these two combatants, which are equal 

 in size and power are — according to my experience — undoubtedly 

 due to an inherited rivalry, the direct cause being the Lemmings, 

 which also form the principal diet of the Ravens. 



That the Gyrfalcon — as it has been supposed by some observers 



— driven by hunger should try to prey on the Raven is to my mind 

 quite incredible. 



I have set down in my diary a notice regarding a battle between 

 these two birds fought out September W^^ 1906. It reads: "A falcon 

 was in the most violent manner attacked by two Ravens. The quar- 

 relling birds flew for a while around high up in the air uttering 

 angry cries, after which the Ravens descended and took place side 

 by side on a rock evidently lurking after Lemmings, the holes of 

 which were numerous around the place. The falcon also settled 

 with the same intention on another rock some 50 meters from the 

 Ravens. At my approach the birds rose again in the air and imme- 

 diately continued their battle. The Ravens seemed much superior 

 to the falcon, which therefore showed an inclination to fly away to 

 avoid their rough treatment. 



The battle at last took place just over my head, and I shot one 

 Raven in order to make the fight more even. 



Frightened by the shot the two other birds Hew away in different 



